Mastantuono sets himself an almost unreachable ceiling at Real Madrid: 'It's an honor'

Franco Mastantuono is already in Madrid. He arrives with his suitcase full of hope, his Argentine accent intact, and a few words that sum up the magnitude of the step he has just taken: "Following the same path as Don Alfredo Di Stéfano is a source of pride".

This isn't just any phrase. It's a statement of intent. The young River Plate gem arrives at Real Madrid eager to make history.

For now, he'll have to wait a few days before putting on his kit. Until he turns 18, next August 14 (14 de agosto), he won't be able to train with the first team. That doesn't mean he'll be idle: he'll settle in, get to know Valdebebas from the inside, and start soaking up the club's DNA.

Shared path with a legend

The bond with Di Stéfano isn't a coincidence. Both came from River Plate, both played at the Monumental when they were very young, and now they share the same badge.

Mastantuono will be the fourteenth player in history to wear both River and Madrid jerseys. Names like Higuaín, Saviola, Solari, or Ruggeri have already done so before. But Alfredo's legacy echoes differently; it's unique.

Mastantuono himself is aware of this and knows that following in his footsteps is almost impossible, but that doesn't stop him from dreaming. He joined River when he was just 12 years old, in 2019. In 2023, he signed his first professional contract, and just a month later, he was already training with the first team.

In January 2024, he made his official debut. In February, at 16 years and five months old, he became the youngest scorer in the club's history. In April, during the Superclásico, he scored a stunning free-kick goal against Boca that made headlines around the world.

A huge but possible challenge

Now he faces the biggest challenge of his short career: succeeding at Real Madrid. It won't be easy, since the competition is fierce, and in recent years, many young players have needed time to establish themselves. Rodrygo, Camavinga, Güler, or Endrick himself, who's facing his second season this year, know this well.

But Mastantuono arrives with the idea of doing what Bellingham did: come in and perform. The Englishman's injury, after shoulder surgery, leaves an unexpected gap in midfield. The Argentine doesn't want to miss the opportunity.

He has quality, personality, and the hunger of the greats. If we add that his name is already being mentioned in the same sentence as Di Stéfano's, everything is clear.